Sacramento towing, impound and auto rules
Source: California Auto Help (californiaautohelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.
Towing and impound in Sacramento
Sacramento lists a vehicle release fee of $180 paid to SPD. The tow fee page shows both "Currently $200" and "effective January 1, 2024 $235 (1 hour minimum)". Storage is $60 per day. (source: City of Sacramento Police Department)
You need current registration or a temporary operating permit, and someone with a valid license must be present. Agents need a power of attorney or notarized letter. Request a 30-day impound hearing within 10 days of the Notice of Stored Vehicle at 916-808-6135; the hearing is held within 48 business hours. (source: City of Sacramento Police Department)
Statewide rules that apply here
- When a public agency stores a vehicle, the registered and legal owners get a poststorage hearing to test whether the storage was valid (CVC 22852).
- Notice must be mailed or delivered within 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays.
- Request the hearing in person, in writing or by telephone within 10 days of the date on the notice.
- The hearing must be held within 48 hours of the request, excluding weekends and holidays.
- If the hearing finds no reasonable grounds for the storage, the agency pays the towing and storage costs.
- This section does not apply to private property tows under CVC 22658, certain abandoned-vehicle abatements, or some investigative impounds.
(source: California Legislature)
See towed vehicle rights, Smog Check and registration renewal.
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On this site: How do I renew California vehicle registration? · New to California: how soon must I register my vehicle? · Buying or selling a car in California: title and NRL rules · California Smog Check: who needs it and what it costs · California auto repair estimate rules · California Lemon Law (Tanner Consumer Protection Act) · My car was towed in California. What are my rights? · California DMV registration and late fees · How to complain about a California auto repair shop · California Smog Check Consumer Assistance Program · Cities · FAQ · Sources
Sources
- City of Sacramento Police Department: Towed Vehicles (checked November 2, 2026)
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Vehicle Code 22852 (poststorage hearing) (checked November 2, 2026)
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